In a bowl mix together the achiote seeds, lime juice, 2 teaspoons of the garlic, turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin and 1/2 teaspoon salt to make a smooth paste. Place the chicken in a glass dish and coat with the paste. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let marinate refrigerated for at least 4 and up to 8 hours.
In a large saute pan heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, bay leaves, Essence, 1 teaspoon cumin and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and saute until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and saute until soft. Add the chicken pieces and any reserved marinade to the pot and brown on all sides. Remove the pan from the heat.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a baking dish with banana leaves. Place 1 banana leaf on a work surface, and place 1 chicken piece in the middle. Spoon 1/4 of the onion-tomato mixture onto the chicken and wrap the leaf around the chicken as though sealing a package. Place in the lined baking dish and repeat with the remaining chicken and sauce. Bake the chicken until cooked through and tender, about 1 hour.
Remove from the oven and serve the chicken wrapped in the leaves with the accumulated pan juices.
Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
Yield: about 2/3 cup
Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking, by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.
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